Why the Bachelor was called an 'arse'

One of The Bachelor NZ contestant's step-mother called Art Green as an "arse".

Critics of The Bachelor NZ achieved a small victory last night, with a contestant's step-mother describing the show's star Art Green as an "arse".

The remaining four girls in the TV3 reality show took Green home to meet their parents, who put the Bachelor through his paces as a potential suitor.

The visit to 22-year-old Dani Robinson's home began amicably enough, but quickly turned sour in a sit-down with her parents and their partners.

When Green proclaimed himself ready to find the one, Dani's step-mum Amanda was quick to turn up the heat.

"You're in a position where you're determining who is to be loved and who isn't. I'm wondering how healthy it is for the women involved."

Describing the concept of women competing for a single man's affection as "foreign", Amanda wondered how Green could subscribe to such a bizarre concept.

"You're breaking up with one woman a week or 20 women, boom ... what kind of arse would do something like that?"

As the rest of the group sat in shocked silence, Amanda pressed on, expressing many of the concerns that have been shared by critics of the show and finding instant favour on social media.

Someone give Dani's stepmum I high five and maybe her own tv advice show #BachelorNZ

— Aunty Wah Wah 🔝🧜‍♀️ (@_surlymermaid_) April 28, 2015

Green held his own in the hot seat, winning over the tough crowd with a seemingly genuine summation of his experience.

"It's so weird to be honest with you ... Nothing has prepared me for this. It's completely new and scary."

The incident marks the first time the show has aired any criticism of this nature in an episode.

Amanda's attack comes just days after recently eliminated contestant Chrystal Chenery said she believed the show is founded on "desperation".

"Just standing there, we're all waiting for him to have his pick ... Men don't choose me, I choose them," Chenery told New Idea.

Tonight, contestants Poppy and Alysha will take Green home to their families, before next week's final rose ceremony.

- nzherald.co.nz